One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
Zebra Danio At a Glance
Zebra Danio Tank Requirements
Will Zebra Danio fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Zebra Danio needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Zebra Danio against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Zebra Danio Water Parameters
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Zebra Danio Temperament & Compatibility
Zebra Danio Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Short Finned)
The wild-type form (striped) or the 'Leopard' morph (spotted). Extremely fast swimmers that enjoy strong flow.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Leopard Danio, Gold Danio, Blue Danio, Frankei
Long Finned
Selectively bred for long, flowing fins. These are slightly less agile than the standard form and should not be kept with severe fin nippers. Flow should be moderate rather than high to prevent exhaustion.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Veiltail Danio
GloFish Danio
Genetically modified to fluoresce under blue/actinic light. Husbandry is identical to the Standard Zebra Danio.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Starfire Red, Electric Green, Sunburst Orange, Cosmic Blue, Galactic Purple
Zebra Danio Care Guide Summary
The Zebra Danio, scientifically known as Danio rerio, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Zebra Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Zebra Danio is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Short Finned), Long Finned, and GloFish Danio. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Zebra Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Zebra Danio, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Zebra Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Zebra Danio is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Zebra Danio Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Zebra Danio.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
Zebra Danio Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Zebra Danio will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Danio
How big does Zebra Danio get?
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Zebra Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Zebra Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Zebra Danio need?
Zebra Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Zebra Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Zebra Danio is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Zebra Danio should be kept together?
Zebra Danio is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Zebra Danio have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Zebra Danio benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Zebra Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Zebra Danio is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Zebra Danio
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Zebra Danio based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Pacific Sturgeon
Acipenser transmontanus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesMottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Zebra Danio
These plants pair well with Zebra Danio based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Zebra Danio
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
The Giant Danio is a robust, incredibly active schooling fish native to fast-flowing streams in South Asia. Known for their striking blue and gold horizontal stripes, they are constantly in motion and require long tanks with strong water flow. Due to their boisterous nature, they make excellent 'dither fish' for mild-mannered cichlids but should not be kept with slow, shy, or long-finned species as they will easily outcompete them for food.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
A highly active, schooling cyprinid native to the clear, flowing streams of Southeast Asia. Known for their iridescent, pearlescent bodies that shimmer under aquarium lighting with hints of blue, pink, and orange. They are very hardy but require significant horizontal swimming space and a tight-fitting lid due to their notorious jumping ability.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Glowlight Danio
Danio choprae
A strikingly colorful and hyperactive nano fish native to the Irrawaddy River drainage in Myanmar. Named for its glowing orange/red horizontal bands and vertical barring. Despite their small size, they are incredibly fast, dynamic swimmers that require a long aquarium with ample swimming space. They must be kept in large schools and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Bulolo Rainbowfish
Chilatherina bulolo
A rare and highly active rainbowfish native to the fast-flowing mountain streams and white-water rapids of the Markham and Ramu river systems in Papua New Guinea. They possess a silvery body with a distinct black streak on the upper and lower edges of the caudal fin. Because of their specialized natural habitat, they require highly oxygenated, fast-flowing water and alkaline conditions to thrive in an aquarium.
Zebra Tilapia
Heterotilapia buttikoferi
A large, highly intelligent riverine cichlid from West Africa renowned for its bold black and white vertical stripes. However, it is also infamous for its extreme, often lethal aggression. Adults are usually completely intolerant of tank mates (including conspecifics) and will heavily rearrange decor, destroy plants, and smash heaters. It is highly recommended to keep them as a solitary 'wet pet'.